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The Sir John Fisher Foundation

The Sir John Fisher Foundation is a charitable trust established in 1980 by Sir John Fisher and his wife Lady Maria Fisher, aimed at supporting good causes in the area surrounding the company’s headquarters in Barrow-in-Furness.

It was a passionate interest in the affairs of the people of Barrow-in-Furness and the locality that led to the birth of the Sir John Fisher Foundation. The grandson of James Fisher, Sir John was himself a former Chairman of James Fisher and Sons, and alongside his wife Lady Maria Fisher (née Elsner), a famous pre-war opera singer, he was the pioneer of the charitable work that continues in his name to this day. Despite a highly active business life, Sir John’s interest in the welfare of the people of Barrow-in-Furness became very well known. Both he and his wife took a deep personal interest in many social and charitable organisations giving personal support and financial aid.

Income from dividends

Grants are made to charitable causes throughout the UK as a result of the dividends that arise from the Foundation’s substantial holding of James Fisher and Sons plc, but special regard is given to those based in and working for the benefit of people living in Barrow-in-Furness and its surrounding area. In 2011 the Foundation was for the first time able to make grants or commitments to charitable causes in excess of £1 million. This was largely made possible by the hard work of the employees and management of James Fisher & Sons plc.

Good causes

The Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes, notably in the areas of maritime, medical and disability, education, music, arts and community projects. One of the most visible maritime projects, that saves lives with the help of the Foundation’s funding, is the Ulverston inshore rescue craft. Among the medical good causes recently supported have been the Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone Disease Research at Lancaster University and St Mary’s Hospice for Furness. Making both a tangible and positive contribution to the community in Barrow-in-Furness and its surrounding area, and with wider benefits from many of its projects being felt nationally.